A Gambler's Anatomy Explained

A Gambler's Anatomy
Author:	Jonathan Lethem
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Publisher:	Doubleday
Pub Date:	2016

A Gambler's Anatomy (published as The Blot in the United Kingdom) is a 2016 novel by American author Jonathan Lethem. The plot concerns Alexander Bruno, a professional backgammon player with "psychic tendencies". The novel received mixed reviews and was compared negatively to other novels by Lethem.^[1]

Plot

Alexander Bruno is a gambler who encounters a high school friend, Keith Stolarsky, who has made a fortune in real estate. After their meeting, Keith agrees to pay for an expensive surgery Bruno needs to survive, and later becomes Bruno's romantic rival.

Reception

The novel received mixed reviews,^[2] with some praise for the caliber of his writing, and Lethem's ability to combine elements from multiple genres.^{[2] [3]} Dwight Garner referred to Lethem's naming conventions as "Pynchonian" and compared the central antagonist, Keith, to Maurice Conchis, from John Fowles's novel The Magus.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Review: Jonathan Lethem's A Gambler's Anatomy is a low-key meditation on identity. Semley. John. 21 October 2016. The Globe and Mail. 21 January 2017.
2. News: 'A Gambler's Anatomy': Meet the James Bond of backgammon. Charles. Ron. 11 October 2016. The Washington Post. 21 January 2017.
3. Web site: Alexander Chee on Jonathan Lethem's 'A Gambler's Anatomy': 'Oceans 11' meets 'Escape to Witch Mountain' meets a meningioma. Chee. Alexander. 21 October 2016. Los Angeles Times. 21 January 2017.
4. Web site: In Jonathan Lethem's 'A Gambler's Anatomy,' a Hustler's Luck Turns Cold. Garner. Dwight. 11 October 2016. The New York Times. 21 January 2017.